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Forest rangers recently identified a number of trees that needed to be removed. They also saw an opportunity to facilitate training for 25 rangers in chain saw use and safety. Rangers used chain saws to cut down about 100 hazardous trees, then they worked with heavy equipment to remove the logs from the area, officials said.

The work focused on areas where dying trees presented a hazard to visitors. The work, which took place in the Hooker Falls area, required the site to be temporarily closed for three days. These areas now are open to the public.

Many of the trees that were cut down were damaged by insects, disease or lightning strikes. The damage threatened the structural integrity of the trees, which could lead to falling limbs or entire trees. Some of the trees included hemlocks affected by the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, white pines, oaks and a mix of other hardwoods.

"This work had the added benefit of training for N.C. Forest Service rangers that serve as initial attack firefighters on wildland fires throughout the state. Cutting down these complicated trees now means that these folks will have more experience when faced with similar problem trees on the fireline," said David Brown, DuPont State Recreational Forest supervisor.

Removing trees is consistent with the Resource Management Plan for the forest, officials said. The plan is designed to provide for forest management activities that exhibit sound ecological practices, as well as natural resource conservation and education.

To learn more about the management activities and trainings conducted at DuPont, call 828-877-6527 or visit www.ncforestservice.gov/Contacts/dsf.htm.

<p>N.C. Forest Service rangers took part in chain saw training during a Hazardous Tree Removal class at DuPont State Recreational Forest Thursday.</p><p>Forest rangers recently identified a number of trees that needed to be removed. They also saw an opportunity to facilitate training for 25 rangers in chain saw use and safety. Rangers used chain saws to cut down about 100 hazardous trees, then they worked with heavy equipment to remove the logs from the area, officials said.</p><p>The work focused on areas where dying trees presented a hazard to visitors. The work, which took place in the Hooker Falls area, required the site to be temporarily closed for three days. These areas now are open to the public.</p><p>Many of the trees that were cut down were damaged by insects, disease or lightning strikes. The damage threatened the structural integrity of the trees, which could lead to falling limbs or entire trees. Some of the trees included hemlocks affected by the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, white pines, oaks and a mix of other hardwoods.</p><p>"This work had the added benefit of training for N.C. Forest Service rangers that serve as initial attack firefighters on wildland fires throughout the state. Cutting down these complicated trees now means that these folks will have more experience when faced with similar problem trees on the fireline," said David Brown, DuPont State Recreational Forest supervisor. </p><p>Removing trees is consistent with the Resource Management Plan for the forest, officials said. The plan is designed to provide for forest management activities that exhibit sound ecological practices, as well as natural resource conservation and education.</p><p>To learn more about the management activities and trainings conducted at DuPont, call 828-877-6527 or visit www.ncforestservice.gov/Contacts/dsf.htm.</p>